Applications of One Step Equations

Opener:  As students enter the room, they will immediately pick up and begin working on the opener – Instructional Strategy - Process for openers.  This method of working and going over the opener lends itself to allow students to construct viable arguments and critique the reasoning of others, which is mathematical practice 3. 

Learning Target:  After completion of the opener, I will address the day’s learning targets to the students.  For today's lesson, the intended target is “I can set up and solve one-step equations to model real world scenarios.” Students will jot the learning target down in their agendas (our version of a student planner, there is a place to write the learning target for every day). 

Applications of One-Step Equations Notes: Applications of One-Step Equations Explore Narrative This lesson is built around the application of one-step equations - both modeling with word problems (mathematical practice 4) and analyzing word problems to determine an equation (mathematical practice 2).  Students will persevere with problems to determine equations and solutions (mathematical practice 1).  I find that the hardest part for students is determing what the variable really represents - I lead them to looking at the question itself...those last few words generally give away the variable!  As with all equations, students will need to pay close attention to precision (mathematical practice 6) to get the correct answer...they can always substitute their answer to make sure it is correct!

Instructional Strategy - Table Discussion:  To summarize this lesson, I am going to ask that students have a table discussion considering the question – What are some methods you can use to help you set up an equation for a word problem?  The purpose of this summary activity is to allow students to share with one another what works for them.  Students can be their peer’s best teacher sometimes, so giving students an opportunity to share can be very powerful.  

Homework: As students are having their table discussion, I will pass out the night’s assignment.  This assignment allows students the opportunity to practice one step equation problems.  Students will be asked to look over the assignment and identify any glaring questions before they leave class – I want all students to experience success